In this article we will cover how to uninstall Solidworks Connected in a more in depth way which includes removing hidden files. This is needed if you are experiencing crashes or other technical issues with the software.
Also take the time to check there is nothing you need in these folders like templates, materials, etc. If you are concerned then you can create a back up of these folders before deleting them, ensuring to rename the folders and move them to a separate location, this is mentioned more specifically later on but please read the notes and cautions.
Now with that out the way lets get started. First make sure Solidworks Connected is working Online and connected to your 3D Experience platform.
Log into the 3D Experience platform > Click the compass > Under 'Me' > 3D Experience Solidworks (Version) > Click Solidworks Connected and the uninstall icon and follow the on screen prompts
This is all is needed for the regular, basic uninstall but this is where things get a bit more in depth, if you are unfamiliar or unsure please work with your IT team or contact support for further support.
Go into the start menu and head to installed apps and uninstall the following
- Dassault Systems SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R20XXx
- 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher
- CEF for SOLIDWORKS Applications (new with R2023x)
- Dassault Systemes Software VC10 Prerequisites x86-x64
- Dassault Systemes Software VC11 Prerequisites x86-x64
- Dassault Systemes Software VC12 Prerequisites x86-x64
- You may not have VC10, 11 and 12 depending on version/year of Solidworks but delete what you can find.
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64)
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86)
- Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications 2019/2022 - Version depending
- WPTx64
- VBA 7.1 (may be under Dassault Systems - VBA 7.1)
CAUTION: If you see other versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable or Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications, then the recommendation is to NOT uninstall them. Other versions may have been installed by an older version of SOLIDWORKS Connected or they were installed by other applications. Do not uninstall other versions unless you know the applications that installed them. Uninstalling other versions may affect the functionality of other applications.
Next we will be going into the folders. It is recommended to unhide the hidden folders before starting this as there are many here that are hidden.
Note: Some of these may have been deleted from previous steps and these may contain user data like templates and library file so create a backup of the 'public' and 'programdata'
programfiles\Dassault Systemes\SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE
programfiles\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared
programfiles(x86)\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared
Users\public\Public Documents\Dassault Systemes
\public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS
programdata\DassaultSystemes\3DEXPERIENCELauncher (A folder called 'Dassault Systems' may exist, this contains draftsight information and can stay if use Draftsight)
programdata\SOLIDWORKS
programdata\SolidWorks HotFix
Users\*Your Username*\AppData\Roaming\DassaultSystemes
\AppData\Roaming\SolidWorks
\AppData\Local\DassaultSystemes
\AppData\Local\SolidWorks
\AppData\Local\Temp\SWBackupDirectory
Next delete the following registry keys – Windows administrative rights are required:
CAUTION: Incorrectly editing the registry can severely damage your operating system. The SOLIDWORKS Technical Support team strongly suggests that you back up the registry data before making any changes to the registry. If you are unfamiliar with the registry, please work with your IT group to make these changes.
Press Windows + R and type in the command box regedit then look for these folder locations
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Dassault Systemes\SolidWorks Shared
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Dassault Systemes\SolidWorksPDM
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Dassault Systemes\SolidWorksPDM
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Dassault Systemes\SwxConnectors
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Dassault Systemes\V6_Common
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Srac
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\SolidWorks